The 3-2-1 Rules Over Data Redundancy

June 5, 2024

We cover data backup and disaster recovery quite a bit, and you might be familiar with some of the terms and strategies we discuss. Today, we’re taking a deeper dive into the 3-2-1 rule and its crucial role in your business’ disaster recovery plan. Let's explore how the 3-2-1 rule can strengthen or weaken your data infrastructure.

Understanding the 3-2-1 Rule

The 3-2-1 rule is a key principle in data backup, and here’s what it entails:

Three copies of your data - Maintain three versions of your data, including the original.
Two types of media - Use at least two different storage media. For instance, store one copy in the cloud and another on your local network.
One off-site copy - To protect against local disasters, keep one copy off-site, whether in a cloud storage service or an off-site data center.

While the 3-2-1 rule is a solid foundation for data backup and disaster recovery, it’s just a starting point. You can customize it to meet your specific needs, such as choosing different storage locations for various parts of your data infrastructure or incorporating additional security measures.

The Importance of the 3-2-1 Rule

No matter your business' size or industry, the 3-2-1 rule is essential for ensuring data redundancy. If your on-premises hardware fails, you can rely on your cloud-based backups for recovery. This redundancy is especially critical in today’s environment, where ransomware attacks are prevalent. Regularly testing your backups is vital to ensure they are functional and not corrupted when needed.

We Can Help!

First Column IT offers comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions to help your business implement the 3-2-1 rule effectively. Our tools ensure your data is redundant and secure. To learn more about our services, contact us at (571) 470-5594.

‍

3 Questions You Should Ask About Your Current Backup and Disaster Recovery Strategy

The conversation around B2B data security is no longer about having a backup, but about whether your backup actually works when you need it most. Data backup and disaster recovery solutions were once seen as “set it and forget it” tools, but this is no longer the case. In reality, your data backup strategy is much more complex, and if you fail to give it the attention it deserves, it could result in an extinction-level event for your business.

December 30, 2025

How to Lock Your Screen in a Flash

You may leave the house door wide open when you step out to grab the mail. Sounds reasonable, but if a stray cat were to wander in, that was the risk you ran. The same logic applies to your digital life. Locking your computer, tablet, or phone screen is one of the simplest yet most effective steps you can take to protect your privacy and security.

December 29, 2025

You’ll Be Shocked By How Much Managed IT Helps SMBs

Sometimes the scariest part of running a business is not knowing what tomorrow will bring, particularly when it comes to your IT. Break-fix IT is one of the leading causes of anxiety amongst small business owners, but it doesn’t have to be. Managed IT offers a reprieve from the chaos and the unknown so you can be confident about the direction your business is heading.

Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog